13 Best Family Neighborhoods in Rancho Cordova, California

I lived in Rancho Cordova for a summer and had the opportunity to see most of the neighborhoods in the region. I got to talk with many of the families that lived there about how they felt about the area and gain their opinion. With this time in the area, I was able to gain an idea of where the best neighborhoods to live in Rancho Cordova are.

I have compiled a list of the best family neighborhoods in Rancho Cordova. I will debate the walkability, schools, and any other facts that you need to know about these neighborhoods so you can make a well-informed decision before moving there. Read on to learn more about these cities.

13. Foothill Farms

This is an area I would not move into personally, but I do include this on the list since the people in the area are so nice it might be worth dealing with all the problems of the area to live here. The cost of the average home is $353,200 which is very affordable.

The school district Foothill Farms is located in is Twin Rivers Unified School District. It has an average graduation rate of 85% and the average ACT score is 22. Reflecting well on how poorly cared for the students in this area are.

This is also not a walkable place. There really is nothing close to the neighborhood and you will need to drive a good bit to get what you need.

12. Northern Highland

Northern Highland has some wonderful aspects to it. The average cost of a home in Northern Highland is $346,800 which is very cheap. This is great for those who struggle to make bills.

The school district Northern Highland is located in the Center Joint Unified School District. This is not considered one of the great school districts in Rancho Cordova, but it does have a 91% graduation rate and an average score of 25 on the ACT showing that there are some good aspects to this school district.

Northern Highland is not very walkable. Most of the businesses close to the city are too far to walk to.

11. La Riviera

La Riviera was where I lived when I lived in Rancho Cordova and I loved it there so much. The cost of the average home in La Riviera is $446,200 making it a more low-income area, but the families are so nice there.

La Riviera is split into two different school districts, the Sacramento City Unified School District and the Folsom-Cordova School District. The best side to be on is the Folsom-Cordova School District. This is the best school district in Sacramento County. The Sacramento City Unified School District on the other hand is a very poor school district with only 85% of students graduating and an average score of 24 on the ACT.

La Riviera is not very walkable. You will need a car to get everywhere you want to go. There are no stores close to the city.

10. Orangevale

Orangevale is a nice peaceful community. The average cost of a house in Orangevale is $515,300. This is more of a middle-class price for housing in the area.

Orangevale is sadly in the San Juan School District which is one of the worse school districts in Rancho Cordova. The administration is just not up to bat at this school and your children will suffer because of this fact. If the school district is the deciding factor for you I would not choose Orangevale.

Orangevale is somewhat walkable. There are a few restaurants near and technically you can walk to the nearest store, but it will take you a while.

9. Citrus Heights

Citrus Heights is a friendly community with wonderful people. The average home in Citrus Heights is $433,000. This means it is a more low-income area, which is more affordable for families on a tight budget.

Citrus Heights is in the San Juan School District. This is not a well-funded or cared-for school district. The administration is very lax and not very active in your child’s educational experience. Therefore, if your child is not good at school this may not be the area for your child.

Citrus Heights is also not a very walkable area. Nothing is located close to the neighborhood and therefore a car is a necessary expense to this area.

8. Fair Oaks

Fair Oaks California is a beautiful little neighborhood. The cost of the average home in Fair Oaks is $581,100. This is not a bad price range for California.

San Juan Unified School District is where Fair Oaks California is located. San Juan Unified School District is not considered a very good school district. The administration is not very active in protecting their students and helping students who are struggling academically.

Fair Oaks California is considered very walkable. There are many stores and restaurants close to the neighborhood. Therefore, there is no need to pay the cost of gasoline in Fair Oaks.

7. Arden Arcade

Arden Arcade is a more affordable neighborhood. Its residence is more on the low-income side, which is great for those families who are within a budget. The cost of the average home in Arden Arcade is $463,000.

Arden Arcade is located in the San Juan Unified School District. This is not the best school district in Rancho Cordova. There is only 46% proficiency in reading in the San Juan Unified School District and 37% proficiency in math.

Arden Arcade is also not close to any stores or restaurants. Therefore, walkability is not a thing. If you live in Arden Arcade you will have to get a car to fulfill your needs.

6. Rosemont

Rosemont California is another low-income area. The median home costs $433,300. This is more affordable than most of the Rancho Cordova area.

Rosemont is in the Sacramento Unified School District. This is not a great school district. It is grossly underfunded and teachers complain about how they are not given the resources needed to support students.

One nice thing about Rosemont California is that is fairly walkable. There are plenty of stores in the area that you can walk to. By doing so you can replenish your supplies.

5. Carmichael

Carmichael has an average housing cost of $520,400. This is on the cheaper end of the spectrum, which is nice for affordability.

Carmichael is located in the San Juan Unified School District. This is not the best school district in Sacramento County. The average graduation rate is 88% and the average ACT score is 28. Yet, this school district does not have many extracurricular activities or clubs to support the students outside of school.

Carmichael is a very walkable area. There are lots of stores and restaurants in the Carmichael area. Meaning there is a lot to do in this cute neighborhood.

4. Mather

Mather is a nice city. The median home costs $589,485. Considering that Mather is in California it is not an extremely expensive house.

Mather is in the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District. It is the number 1 school in Sacramento County. It has a 90% graduation rate and an average score of 28 on the ACT. Academics are highly funded and cared for in the Folsom-Cordova Unified School District.

Mather is not a very walkable area. You will need a car if you live there. There is not much in the area and therefore you will need to travel to another area to get groceries.

3. Brighton

Brighton is personally one of my favorite areas. The average home costs around $410,00 and they are very lovely homes.

Brighton is in the Folsom Cordova School District which is the best school district in Sacramento County. The teachers are actively involved in your child’s education and diversity is important to the administration. Your child will get a well-rounded education if they go to school in the Folsom Cordova School District.

Brighton is not very walkable. There is not much there in the area, but that also means that you are avoiding out-of-neighborhood traffic and you can have a more peaceful experience.

2. Anatolia

Anatolia is a local favorite. Everyone raves about how great Anatolia is. The reason for that is that Anatolia is a very rich neighborhood. The cost of the average home in Anatolia is $650,000.

Anatolia is located in the Elk Grove Unified School District. This is a very good school district. It is rated the 2nd best school district in Sacramento county. They have a 90% graduation rate and their average ACT score is 25, which shows the high level of academic success in the region.

Anatolia is a solid second-place shooter because it is also rated the 2nd most walkable neighborhood in Rancho Cordova. Anatolia has a shopping center that should supply the local residents with all they need.

1. Zinfandel

Zinfandel is a beautiful area. The average home costs $521,087. This means it is more of a rich area, so if you have a little extra money to burn this might be a good area for you.

Zinfandel is in the best school district in Sacramento County- Folsom Cordova Unified School District. This school district has some of the best college prep. They inspire your children to shoot for more and help them to get great grades on the ACT and SAT.

Zinfandel is not a very walkable area. You will need a car to get to the store.